BIMFEST 2015

Antwerp, Zappa (18-19 December 2015)

It has become a tradition that before the outbreak of the Christmas festivities, the music fan can enjoy the best of today’s alternative music in Antwerp. This year it was the fourteenth edition. For us, it’s only a matter of typing four words, for the Bodybeats organization it is every year a hellish chore to make its voice heard, especially in times in which the press barely knows what the word alternative means. No problems however, as that voice resounded on 18th and 19th December, simply because the 2015 edition was a success on all fronts. It was remarkable to notice that every visitor had his own distinct choice. For some the intimate set of Honeymoon Cowboys was the highlight, others were keen on the dark indus sounds by Trepanierungsritualen and some thought that the EBM party of Spetsnaz was the icing on the cake. Who are we to say what the right choice is? The different views are a living proof that BIMFest had a very varied program that satisfied every festival goer. If you click on the name of the bands, then you land at the page that shows Xavier's photos.

Just as on previous editions, the BIMFest program was spread over two days. It never is an easy task for a band to be the first on a festival, but that was no problem for Destin Fragile. With them, the BIMFest visitor actually saw Spetsnaz twice, because this synthpop band is the Spetsnaz duo Pontus Stålberg and Stefan Nilsson, plus Daniel Malmlöf. Anyone who is keen on Mesh, will love Destin Fragile too, as it’s intelligent synthpop with a great sense of melody.

It was unespected, but due to illness, Popsimonova had to cancel her gig. In a short time the organization had to find a substitute, which was found with IC434. Even though IC434 is no longer the musical priority of founder Geert De Wilde, this project remains one of the best in its genre. Geert was joined on stage by Yves Schelpe of Psy'Aviah. The IC434 songs that are often about the not so pretty sides of humanity, still gave us a thrill. Simply dark electro at its best, and even though it was quite early to say it already: one of the BIM highlights. Real body beats!

And then there was another Belgian act : The Juggernauts. The duo is well on its way to become the Residents of the EBM scene. No, of course, everybody knows who is behind these masks, but let's play the mysterious game! Those who know the identity of these two artists, know that they are keen on body beats (ha!) and you could hear that during their energetic set that contained lots of new songs that soon will appear on their debut album. It’s clear why Borg’s project, characterized by tight and at times aggressive (but also funny ) EBM, was noted by Out Of Line: let your body learn !

The first evening ended with Honeymoon Cowboys. The opinions were clearly divided (for some it was a low, for others a high point) but the BIM set surely was an evidence that the Siglo-XX link (Antonio Palermo, Klaas Hoogerwaard and Dirk Chauvaux) was just a stepping stone to reach the stages of the black scene, as the Honeymoon Cowboys tracks have nothing to do with post-punk, but more with say Tindersticks.

We better not talk about those few hours of sleep a person needs, mentioning Living Totem is a much better option. According to Dirk Ivens an ideal act as an opener, and (again) he’s right. Visually this Hungarian DJ looked like a version of Little Red Riding Hood, designed by an intoxicated stylist. Fortunately, DJ Kraak came up with great industrial beats. A discovery!

Unknown is unloved, that seemed to be the slogan of BIMFest 2015. And we’re grateful for that, because it means we can see lots of great musicians who otherwise never make it on a Belgian stage. Thomas Martin Ekelund is the man behind Trepaneringsritualen(or T × R × P) and believe us: this is industrial death that sticks to your pants. His music often deals about occultism and religion. And no, it is not the most accessible act of the festival, but surely one of the most impressive.

On the second BIM day there was room for some Belgian talent too:The Arch. Only God knows why, but this electro goth band is already a renowned act abroad since 1986, but in Belgium the media still do not understand what this band did during all those years. A charismatic singer, everything perfectly played with a sound that blows you away. In short: goth rock (or something like that) of the highest level. The set contained mostly songs of the new album, and even if the final conclusion seems predictable: a CD to look forward to!

Probably, most BIM visitors never heard of Schwefelgelb, but after an hour they certainly did! The Berlin duo that consists of Sid (of Keluar fame) and Eddy not only weasr suits that you only can see in clips of Modern Talking, they sound very 80s too (albeit with a big dose of contemporary techno too). If you are interested in the bastard child of DAF and Motor, then you can consider an adoption. Sublime.

Those who recently saw the brilliant documentary Lust & Sound in West -Berlin 1979-198 , know what a prominent roleBettina Köster played in the alternative music circuit. A lady who (literally and figuratively) saw it all. While outside the Zappa venue people were worried about what Christmas rubbish they want to buy this year, the BIM audience witnessed a legendary diva. The grin on Bettina’s face revealed that she barely takes herself seriously. She never did. The cigarette that she smoked on stage was her middle finger: Bettina does what she wants to do, and that graces her. Even though her ​​musical company today is just a laptop, she reaches the high level of Nico at times, not that Bettina will believe this one second herself.

The penultimate act was Spetsnaz. The Swedish duo from Orebro knew from the first note what the mission was: setting up an EBM party so the audience could dance until it dropped! Not for one second the rhythm failed and after their concert, it was obvious why many EBM fans adore Stefan Nilsson and Pontus Stålberg: powerful EBM with apparent influences (Nitzer Ebb of course) and a distinctive sound. Perfect body, perfect beats, perfect music!

And then, of course, the moment arrived everyone was waiting for: the return of Project Pitchfork on a Belgian stage! Of course everyone knows their dark electro/future pop tunes. It was clear that the quartet benefited from this advantage because it chose a quirky set. Many famous hits were skipped, but nonetheless a superb act to see. Peter Spilles wondered why the Belgian goth audience did not take its children to the concerts so that they can see which great music their parents listen to. A good idea Mr. Spilles, bring your kids to Antwerp on 17th December 2016 for the 15th edition of BIM with à; GRUMH...